Feds Should Probe PA Department Of Health, U.S. Rep. Lamb Says

PITTSBURGH, PA — U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb is urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Department of Health & Human Services to investigate the Pennsylvania Department of Health's oversight of the coronavirus outbreak at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Beaver County. Lamb also is asking for a probe of the use of hydroxychloroquine at the facility.

Lamb sent a letter on May 7 requesting an immediate investigation into the management’s
performance. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services subsequent investigation resulted in a series of fines.

In a follow-up letter sent on August 3, Lamb wrote: “That inspection found Brighton was not in substantial compliance with federal requirements related to implementing proper infection prevention and control practices to prevent the development and transmission of COVID-19. As you are aware, residents at Brighton have been seriously exposed to COVID-19 with at least 332 residents testing positive and at least 82 resident deaths linked to the pandemic, according to Pennsylvania Department of Health data.”

The letter also raises the issue of recent media reports that Brighton gave 205 of its 435 residents hydroxychloroquine with zinc without state approval.

“These findings were included in a State inspection report and directly violate State nursing home regulations that prevent experimental research or treatment without approval from the
Pennsylvania Department of Health and from each resident after full disclosure,” Lamb wrote.

“At this point, the Pennsylvania Department of Health does not appear to have imposed any accountability or punishment on Brighton for the use of hydroxychloroquine without permission. For this reason, I request you investigate the state’s response to this unnecessary tragedy

at Brighton."

You can see the entire letter here.